Ask her to keep mum about my parents' separation?

Dear Diana,

I'm 16. My mom and dad are separated for over a year now. I don't think they will get back together. My friends at school don't have a clue because my parents keep up appearances at school and I don't invite anyone over. It used to be an arrangement that worked... until last week.

My mom invited a friend over, and until then, I had no idea we went to the same school. She sensed that my dad wasn't around for a very long stretch of time and got curious. Her mom blurted it out without realising that I was in a nearby room and could hear her clearly.

This girl is not a friend of mine and I am afraid that my friends in school will know and think I kept it from them but told a complete stranger. So far, she hasn't told anyone. But I am worried that she might. Should I clearly tell her to keep the information to herself or tell my friends before she does?

Name withheld



Dear Friend,

School days can be most unkind, especially when your parents are in the middle of a spearation. It's best to keep to yourself, because there will be nosy questions. But getting defensive because your 'secret' might be outed by this girl, may only provoke her to actually blurt it out. Wait it out and if you have to, repose faith in only your closest, most trusted friends about the situation at home, so they don't feel hurt about getting to know from a complete stranger.

He was married without his consent!

Dear Diana,

I'm in love with a man who has been married two years now and has a child. His marriage happened without his consent. Should we continue with this affair?

Barkha

Dear Barkha,

Are you trying to tell me he had no say in it/ was armtwisted/ blackmailed/ held at gunpoint/knifepoint and was forced to get married? And that he was also forced to father a child? You actually expect me to buy that. Would you believe a guy who tells you that?u00a0

Leave boyfriend for man of my dreams?

Dear Diana,

I've been in a relationship with a guy for the past year but am unhappy. And now, I've finally met the person of my dreams. He likes me and wants to spend his life with me. But we've known each other for only five months. Is it worth moving on with the new guy?

Gayatri

Dear Gayatri,

There's always going to be the fear of giving up something that's known for something that you are pretty much clueless about. If your heart tells you that the new guy is for keeps, go for it. Stop following the diktats of the head and go with your heart. As you said, the present relationship is keeping you unhappy. No reason to be sticking around when the relationship's going nowhere.